Citigroup profit falls 3 percent, hurt by credit costs

NEW YORK (AP) — Citigroup's second-quarter profit fell 3 percent as the bank had to set aside more money to cover souring loans, especially in its credit card business. Like its competitors, it also saw a drop in trading revenue caused by quieter markets.

The New York-based bank earned $3.87 billion, or $1.28 per share, compared with $3.99 billion, or $1.24 per share, in the same period a year earlier. The results still beat analysts' forecasts of $1.21 a share, according to FactSet.

Like its rival JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup saw a sizable increase in interest income. The Federal Reserve has been steadily raising interest rates, which has allowed banks to charge more to borrow. Citi had net interest revenue of $11.17 billion, up 6 percent from a year earlier.

At the same time, Citi had to write off more bad loans in the quarter, mostly in credit cards. Citigroup has been expanding its credit card business, similar to its rivals.

The bank's investment and trading operations had a better quarter. Citi's institutional clients group earned $2.76 billion, up 6 percent from a year earlier. While trading revenues were down across the board, Citi saw a jump in fee income from advising companies in its investment bank.